Athletic Club Manager Valverde Relieved by Benzema’s Departure from Real Madrid

Ernesto Valverde, the head coach of Athletic Club, has openly expressed his sense of relief following Karim Benzema’s departure from Real Madrid.

The Basque team is set to kick off their 2023/24 La Liga season against Los Blancos in a highly anticipated match as part of the opening weekend schedule.

Valverde’s squad has encountered difficulties in gaining momentum during the preseason, securing just one victory leading up to the upcoming campaign.

The start of the season poses a challenge, given Athletic Club’s mixed track record against Real Madrid in recent years and their absence of league victories against the capital side since 2015.

Within this period of unfavorable performance, Karim Benzema has emerged as a formidable opponent, having scored 18 league goals against Athletic Club, including two in the previous season.

Benzema’s decision to depart from Madrid this summer, opting to join Saudi Pro League champions Al Ittihad instead of extending his contract in the Spanish capital, has generated a significant shift.

While Real Madrid supporters are hopeful that other players will rise to the occasion in the coming weeks, Valverde appears content with the outcome of Benzema’s transfer.

“We’ve faced significant challenges from Benzema over time. He’s akin to Griezmann, who consistently finds the net against Athletic. However, a new phase is beginning now with different players,” Valverde stated according to reports from Diario AS.